ABSTRACT Modernizing the irrigation service in the country would require more than rehabilitation, automation of traditional flow control structures, piecemeal adoption of modern irrigation and management technologies, or by precision irrigation in turnout service area. A holistic approach that accounts for the changes in water supply, irrigation demand, and institutional setup would be needed to help realize the full benefits of irrigation modernization efforts. This paper presents a methodology used for analysing the key components and aspects of six National Irrigation Systems (NIS) from the standpoints of the irrigation schemes goals, system operation objectives, physical structures, water supply, institutional capacity, and aspirations of the irrigation agency and farmers for the irrigation systems to identify appropriate irrigation technology options and modernization approach. The results of the study indicated spatial variability of the adequacy of irrigation water, quality of irrigation service, impacts of hydrologic extremes, challenges and potentials for modernizing irrigation schemes, and farmers' receptiveness to modern irrigation technology and crop diversification. These findings suggest the need for a heterogeneous approach to irrigation system modernization. The paper presents modernization options based on the general state of and visions for the irrigation systems and a proposed guideline on and national strategy for irrigation modernization.
Mona Liza F. Delos Reyes (Mon,) studied this question.